Galen stepped forward. "What do you mean?"
The Priestess turned her eyes to him. "This pendant is made to draw life energy from its bearer. Over time, it drains the soul slowly and silently until the person becomes an empty vessel. The energy it takes sustains another."
Aveloria felt a chill run through her. "So…whoever gave it to me—"
"Wants to cut your life short," the priestess said flatly. "And feed from your essence to prolong their own."
Aveloria's breath caught. She swallowed hard, forcing her voice steady. "Is it reversible?"
The Priestess took the pendant with gloved hands and placed it in a sealed crystal container. "It's good that you brought it here. But I need to see if any damage has been done."
She reached out and took Aveloria's wrist gently. Her hand was calm and steady. She closed her eyes, and a quiet stillness settled over the room.
Galen watched closely, tense but silent.
